Ghana With Kids by Length of Outing
Family activities in Ghana, by length of outing
Ghana has fewer purpose-built family attractions than many countries, so the realistic list is short and mostly outdoors. Below, each outing is sorted by how long it takes, which matters with young children and heat. Prices are in Ghana cedis (GH₵), about 11.7 to the US dollar in early October 2026, and they move.
About two hours: gardens and a museum
Aburi Botanical Gardens sit on the Akuapem ridge about 35 km north of Accra, an hour’s drive. The air is cooler than in the city, and avenues of royal palms and giant silk cotton trees give children room to run. Entry is about GH₵20. Go early and bring water and a picnic.
For a wet or very hot day, the National Museum of Ghana on Barnes Road, Accra, shows gold weights, textiles and instruments indoors. It is closed on Mondays. Check the current foreign-adult and child fees at gmmb.gov.gh .
A half day: Shai Hills
Shai Hills Resource Reserve is about 50 km north-east of Accra, roughly 70 minutes by road. Grassland and granite outcrops hold olive baboons and kob antelope, plus caves tied to the Shai people. Entry is GH₵70 for an adult and GH₵20 for a vehicle; child rates are best confirmed with the Wildlife Division at fcghana.org . Keep car windows closed near baboons and never offer them food.
A full day: Kakum
Kakum National Park in the Central Region is a long drive from Accra, around 4 hours each way, so many families sleep on the coast the night before. The canopy walkway has 7 bridges across 333 m, rising up to 27 m, and runs in guided groups of about an hour between 06:00 and 16:00. Check the fee and any minimum age at the gate or with the Wildlife Division, and decide in advance whether a child who dislikes heights will manage. Closed shoes are advised.
Health and sun
Malaria is present all year, including in Accra, so ask a travel clinic about child-dose prophylaxis, and use repellent from dusk. Bring your yellow fever certificate: if you cannot show one, you may be refused entry or vaccinated on arrival. The vaccine has age limits, so ask your clinic early.
Open-coast beaches have rip currents and heavy surf, so keep children out of the sea unless locals are swimming nearby, and favour a hotel pool.
Getting around and paying
A hired car and driver is simplest with children. Intercity STC coaches reach Cape Coast and Kumasi; see stc.gov.gh . Carry cedis in cash for gates, and expect cards only at larger Accra hotels and restaurants; mobile money is widely used locally.
UK and US passport holders need a visa from the official portal at evisa.immigration.gov.gh ; check the portal for the current fee.
Compare guided family day tours for a driver and guide in one booking.
Verdict: Aburi is the easiest win, Shai Hills suits school-age children, and Kakum rewards a calm, early start. More ideas are in the day trips guide .